About the Founder
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Iesha Mayers is a fashion model and service coordinator. Graduating from college with a major in Sociology in 2021, she has always been involved in the work of non-profits, working behind the scenes and in the scenes. She also took on a love of runway modeling, walking in her very first runway show in 2019. From there, she discovered that her passion was runway and worked tirelessly on developing herself. Doing so, Iesha has walked for Harlem Fashion Week, Indie Fashion Week, Brooklyn Fashion Week, and Bovtique Fashion Week, modeling from NYC to all the way across to Los Angeles.
Iesha's Story
When I started modeling, I felt like a small fish in a huge ocean. I did one runway show in college, completed one class with a runway coach, and completed a model development course for about two months. Still, I knew that no amount of training can prepare me for the reality of the modeling industry like experiencing it myself. One of my very first runway castings was for Brooklyn Fashion Week. At this casting is where I was exposed to models from all over, coming to New York just to walk for this production. I was also exposed to the idea of gatekeeping. I did not understand (I still don't) the purpose of gatekeeping. This would not be my last time experiencing this, models keeping information of castings away from other models, or purposely changing the topic of conversation to avoid further questions. It was frustrating as a new model. So I decided to take things into my own hands: I started doing my own research. The difference here is that I was posting castings to my Instagram story, to the point where I had an Instagram Highlight dedicated to solely castings because models would come to me for any upcoming castings, whether it was for a runway show, for a beauty brand, or for a brand ambassador gig. I didn't gatekeep because my belief is what is meant for me, is meant for me. I don't see it as an opportunity being taken away from me. I see it as an opportunity that I can have next time.
When Instagram created the channel feature, I jumped on it immediately. I created my "Castings and More!" channel summer of 2023 and now I have 854 members, from models, creatives, photographers, and even designers, with the help of Mariela, better known as MFF Photography, one of my favorite people in this industry who is committed to inclusivity just like I am, who also assists with adding opportunities in the channel. Who would have thought that Shasha Events would have come to fruition all because of an Instagram update.
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I am committed in ensuring that inclusivity is a core value in this industry, despite how often we are told that it is not possible. I want to prevent future models from feeling like there is no hope. I want to create a safe space for aspiring and new models. Shasha Events can and will do this.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.